Journal

While growing up, I have always poked my nose in some kind of hobby/business venture… From my grape juice & fresh fruit stand (because all the kids were doing lemonade and I wanted grape!), to friendship bracelets, to shoe laces that matches your top (lol, don’t ask), to handmade lingerie (Glamgerie™ )… and then KTRcollection happened. I was tired of seeing over-priced skirts & dresses and not seeing enough prints or colors that I love. So I started making them at home and posted them on my style blog KTRstyle in 2012. I guess you can say with all of my previous hobbies, I started making swimsuit also out of my own agony for not being able to find certain looks that I love.

…Even though I’m not much of a swimmer, I love the beach and maybe that’s why swimsuits has always been an obsession of mine. I particularly love styles that are a reminiscent of the 1940s & 50s, so when I started working on KTRSWIM early last year, I wanted to create something that has a vintage feel to it. I love the modesty of the one piece and the versatility of the high waist bottoms, but I also wanted something that’s fresh, playful, edgy, and a little sassy yet classy. I’m a firm believer that a one piece and high waist swimsuit is just as sexy as any string bikinis. It’s leaving a little mystery that’s kind of sexy to me. Plus, since I’m usually stuffing my face after laying out, what better way is there to cinch the hell out of my stomach than a lycra swimsuit?! :)

I hope you love this line as much as I do! You can choose from size S, M, L but for a more accurate fit, there’s an option for you to enter your exact bust, waist and hips measurements. I totally recommend making sure you get measured before placing your order because each piece will be hand made, one by one to fit each customer’s size and color request. Therefore, all pieces will take 2-4 weeks to complete depending on current volume of orders. Also, Prints tend to sell out quickly and may not be relisted, but I’ll be adding more prints in the coming weeks with updates via my Instagram. If you have any suggestions/feedback, I’d love to hear your thoughts!

Kept it simple last weekend for a jazz concert in this black & white bodycon Bar iii textured skirt and top. Finally, a white skirt that is textured and not see-thru! It’s also on sale at Macy’s. Anyhow, on an unrelated “fashion” topic…you know how I’m obsessed with quotes? Well, I came across this beautifully written quote. The bittersweet insight made me kind of sad, yet appreciative for the reminder…and so I want to share it with you.

I hope that wherever you are, whatever you are doing, and whomever you are sharing your time with, you’re embracing each moment and cherishing it as if it’s your last…because tomorrow is never promised. Love – K

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“The paradox of our time in history is that we have taller buildings but shorter tempers, wider Freeways, but narrower viewpoints. We spend more, but have less, we buy more, but enjoy less. We have bigger houses and smaller families, more conveniences, but less time. We have more degrees, but less sense, more knowledge, but less judgment, more experts, yet more problems, more medicine, but less wellness.

We’ve learned how to make a living, but not a life. We’ve added years to life not life to years. We’ve been all the way to the moon and back, but have trouble crossing the street to meet a new neighbor. We conquered outer space but not inner space. We’ve done larger things, but not better things.

We’ve cleaned up the air, but polluted the soul. We’ve conquered the atom, but not our prejudice. We write more, but learn less. We plan more, but accomplish less. We’ve learned to rush, but not to wait. We build more computers to hold more information, to produce more copies than ever, but we communicate less and less.

These are the times of fast foods and slow digestion, big men and small character, steep profits and shallow relationships.

These are the days of two incomes but more divorce, fancier houses, but broken homes. These are days of quick trips, disposable diapers, throwaway morality, one night stands, overweight bodies, and pills that do everything from cheer, to quiet, to kill. It is a time when there is much in the showroom window and nothing in the stockroom. A time when technology can
bring this letter to you, and a time when you can choose either to share this insight, or to just hit delete…

Remember, to spend some time with your loved ones, because they are not going to be around forever. Remember, say a kind word to someone who looks up to you in awe, because that little person soon will grow up and leave your side.

Remember, to give a warm hug to the one next to you, because that is the only treasure you can give with your heart and it doesn’t cost a cent.

Remember, to say, “I love you” to your partner and your loved ones, but most of all mean it. A kiss and an embrace will mend hurt when it comes from deep inside of you.

Remember to hold hands and cherish the moment for someday that person might not be there again. Give time to love, give time to speak! And give time to share the precious thoughts in your mind.”

-Bob Moorehead

SHOP WHITE PENCIL SKIRTS

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…Sometimes, you feel as though you are riding the bicycle backwards. You feel like you are backtracking and heading in the wrong direction, but really what’s happening is contraction and release. The universe is preparing you for something much greater and like a sling shot, it’s going to shoot you forward—you just have to move backwards for a little bit. And so, when times are tough on your heart + head, believe & trust that whatever darkness and disappointments you are going through, you will survive….

Just like the principles of contraction and release of riding the bike backwards, the journey is never a detour; it’s just a way to build up your momentum and strength for the road that lies ahead…

Trials and tribulations—not getting what we want when we want it, saying goodbye on terms we can’t control. Each of these is the universes way of humoring us, of helping us grow and allowing us to re-frame the past for our present and our future….So brace yourself when the road gets bumpy, strap on that helmet, and prepare to pedal backwards for something greater is sure to come.

Learn from yesterday, Live for today, Hope for tomorrow.

And don’t ever forget: when one door closes, another will alwaysopen…everything happens for a reason, you are in control of your own happiness and you deserve all that you want in this world! Sometimes you’ll get it through your own mastery and hard work, other times you’ll get it when you least expect it.

* I read the above somewhere a really long time ago and loved it so much. It’s so beautifully written that I felt inspired to share with you, along with a few additions of my own thoughts incorporate in this post! Have a great day!

xo, KTR

SHOP WHITE DRESSES

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Valentine’s Day is right around the corner and if you’re a procrastinator like me, you probably haven’t planned anything for your sweetheart yet (thank goodness he’s way better at this than me).

Maybe you just started seeing each other and don’t want to go overboard, or you’ve been married for 10 + years and got stuck in the routine of things… Either way, Valentine’s Day is one of those holidays you either love or loathe; but no matter your sentiment for the day, it’s a wonderful excuse for a little special treatment. Plus, planning a romantic date for your sweetheart does not have to cost a lot of money. It’s really the thought that counts. Here are some date ideas that are affordable, can be executed last minute and are still very thoughtful and romantic!

ICE SKATING

Whatever your ice skating proficiency is, this is the perfect opportunity to get close. Holding hands while ice skating and helping each other up after falling builds serious bonds. Plus, you can both have a cup of hot chocolate and cozy-up afterwards.

TABLE FOR TWO

Didn’t fancy the ice skating idea because it’s simply too cold or crowded? How about some bonding time over a delicious meal? Instead of going to a restaurant where prices are usually hiked up, you and your Valentine can expand your cooking knowledge and prepare a special dinner together.

HIKING

Speaking of hike, it’s time to work off all the food you’ve made and ate together right? Since February 14th falls on a Saturday this year, it’s easy to work a walk or hike into your plans. It doesn’t require much planning or money; just a sense of curiosity, adventure and romance. Also, this is the perfect time to take away ask politely for permission remove your Valentine’s social media gadgets for a few hours of undivided attention.

PICNIC

What’s better than a hike is a hike that leads to a happy ending! Ahh, I’m talking about a picnic complete with food (mind out of the gutter please)…All you need is a basket, a blanket and snacks (wine optional)!

TREASURE HUNT

So you’ve injured your leg, back, arm and neck…therefore that hike thing isn’t going to work out. How about planning a treasure hunt at home for your Valentine instead? It’s a creative, mysterious and fun way to add some sparks. Use your imagination to start the hunt… Set a romantic table and leave the first clue on the plate, send a sexy text in the morning with a clue to where to find you that night, enlist the help of a friend or courier to deliver the first clue, or simply tack the first clue to the windshield of the car.

However, where your romantic treasure hunt begins is not half as important as where it ends :)

CHOCOLATE & WINE TASTING

Of course I’m talking about more treats people! Ok, this is getting closer and closer to my fave. Treats, sweets and little bit of wine! We all hear about wine and cheese tasting, but how about indulging your sweetheart with sweets? Go to the store and buy 10-12 different chocolates and a nice bottle of wine (while you’re at it, throw in some strawberries :). At home, lay out all chocolate on a nice platter. Light some candles, put on some smooth jazz, and if you want to get a little creative, have your Valentine do the tasting with a blind fold. Yummy!

STAR GAZING

After all the food, treats and hiking, your Valentine is probably exhausted and want to lay down. This is the perfect time to take your truck (or borrow one from a friend) pack up a picnic (more snacks) and head out of city limits to enjoy a romantic evening under the stars. Be sure to bring a sleeping bag, blanket and dress warm!

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These are some ideas that I love which can be done together or separately…Hope you enjoy the read and was able to treat that special someone to a nice & sweet day…but remember, it’s not just about a certain day. It’s about everyday! Have a great rest of the week and weekend!

xx, KTR

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2014…where do I even begin? From trials & tribulations, passing of dear love ones, birth of new ones, to failed relationships and to building new ones. To speeding tickets + then some*, to a few extra wrinkles from laughing so much, to piggin’ out, to late nights, to those who gets under our skin but we can’t live without…to fighting for what we love and to breaking the rules… To fear, to laughter, to failures & disappointments, to falling in love over & over again with life…It’s been a fun ride, but we can’t appreciate the journey, without a few bumpy roads.

So cheers to a new year…I’m ready for some new challenges! Hope you are too! :)